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British Columbia
Sites: |
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Observing site: McDonald Park
Contact person: Paul Greenhalgh
Telephone number: (604) 853-3350
URL: http://www.fvas.net/dsp.html
Restrictions: None, however it should be noted that if you are not a
member of the Fraser Valley Astronomers Society (FVAS) and are visiting the park
after hours, security will arrive to close the gates at the park. It is strongly
advised that if you wish to remain at the park, to please leave your car outside
the gate, so as not to run the risk of being locked in. This will also mean that
you will have to pack out your equipment later. Also note that Security also
locks the washrooms at the park if no FVAS member is present.
Directions: From Vancouver, take Highway #1 east to exit 104. Turn
left and head toward Sumas Mountain. McDonald Park is down that
road. See http://www.fvas.net/mapdsp.html
for a map or click here to create a
Google map.
Current weather: 
| Typical
naked-eye magnitude limit on a clear, moonless night:
6.1 to 6.3 at last measurement, but as the immediate area darkens due to quality lighting those numbers may increase. Or so it is hoped. |
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| At the zenith: | 6.3 |
| East: | 5.5 |
| West: | 6.0 |
| North: | 6.2 |
| South: | 6.3 |
Best horizon: South 4 degrees
Worst horizon: North 75 degrees (Mountain)
Comments from contributor: Although the park is primarily for day use,
it has also been designated as a Dark-Sky Preserve. The Fraser Valley Astronomers
Society has been
granted special privilege to use the park at their discretion. The park has ample parking, as well as
full running washrooms. There is no electrical power to date in the park, but it is being proposed. Streetlights in the immediate area have been
replaced with to full cut-off fixtures, the neighbouring farm has also converted its yard lights to
full cut-off yard lighting, and the department of
highways has removed several street lights.
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